Hard water can cause a variety of problems in your home, from unsightly buildup on fixtures and appliances to mineral buildup in pipes and water heaters. To combat hard water, many homeowners turn to water softeners, which use salt to remove hard water minerals from the water supply. But with so many different types of water softener salt on the market, it can be difficult to determine which type is right for your water softener.
In this article, I will be delving into the different varieties of water softener salt: pellets, blocks, cubes, and crystals. Not only will I examine the advantages and disadvantages of each type but also which one is ideal for your particular water-softening system. Thus you can make an informed choice about which kind works best for you!
No matter if you’re looking to save money, ease of handling, or ensure consistent water softening results, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose the right type of salt for your water softener.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Salt Used In Water Softeners?
The most common water-softener salts are pellets, blocks, cubes, and crystals. Each has its own benefits and drawback which I’ll go into below. But here is a short description of each one:
- Pellets – Pellet water softener salt is the most popular type and is made from evaporated brine water that has been compressed into small pellet-like shapes.
- Blocks – As the name implies, blocks are sold in solid blocks that have been evaporation-dried and compressed.
- Cubes – Cubes have been evaporated and compressed into small cubes that are water-soluble.
- Crystals – This type of softener salt is made from water that’s been evaporated and condensed into small crystal-like formations.
All of these types can usually be found in both sodium chloride and potassium chloride varieties. Make sure that you check what type is best for your water softener by reading the product manual, website, or calling the customer service number for your brand.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Water Softener Salt Types: Pellets, Cubes, Blocks, and Crystals
If you’re looking for the perfect salt to use in your water softener, you have a few options. Pellets, cubes, blocks, and crystals are all great choices that come with their advantages and disadvantages which allows you to make an informed decision about which type of salt is best suited for your needs.
Benefits of Pellets
- Dissolve easily in water, reducing the risk of clogging in the water softener
- More compact than other forms of salt, taking up less storage space
- Easier to handle and pour into the brine tank compared to other forms of salt
Drawbacks of Pellets
- Can be more expensive than other types of water softener salt
- Can contain impurities, such as magnesium and calcium, which can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can have a harsh, abrasive texture that can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
Benefits of Cubes
- Can dissolve easily in water, reducing the risk of clogging in the water softener
- Can be more affordable than other forms of water softener salt
- Can come in large, 40-pound bags, reducing the need for frequent refills
Drawbacks of Cubes
- Can contain impurities, such as magnesium and calcium, which can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can have a harsh, abrasive texture that can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can take up more storage space compared to other forms of salt
Benefits of Blocks
- Can last for several months without the need for refilling the brine tank
- Can be more affordable than other forms of water softener salt
- Can dissolve easily in water, reducing the risk of clogging in the water softener
Drawbacks of Blocks
- Can contain impurities, such as magnesium and calcium, which can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can have a harsh, abrasive texture that can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can take up more storage space compared to other forms of salt
- Can be more difficult to handle and pour into the brine tank compared to other forms of salt
Benefits of Crystals
- Can dissolve easily in water, reducing the risk of clogging in the water softener
- Can be more affordable than other forms of water softener salt
- Can come in large, 40-pound bags, reducing the need for frequent refills
Drawbacks of Crystals
- Can contain impurities, such as magnesium and calcium, which can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can have a harsh, abrasive texture that can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time
- Can take up more storage space compared to other forms of salt
Ultimately, the perfect water softener salt for your home will depend on several things such as price point, storage space, and whether or not it is easy to manage. Carefully consider all advantages and disadvantages before making any decisions so that you can be sure you are getting the most ideal option for your system.
How to Determine the Best Water Softener Salt Type: Pellets, Blocks, Cubes, or Crystals
To determine the best water softener salt type, you should consider a few key factors like the size of your tank, handling the salt, and cost.
Tank Size
Think about the capacity of the tank and how much salt it can accommodate. Pellets and crystals are more condensed than blocks or cubes, meaning that they use up less storage space which makes them ideal for smaller tanks.
Handling
Consider the ease of handling and pouring the salt into the brine tank. Pellets are often easier to handle and pour compared to blocks and cubes, while crystals are typically the easiest to handle and pour.
Cost
Another important factor to consider is cost. Pellets and blocks tend to be more expensive compared to cubes and crystals.
These are the main concerns of most homeowners, but you may have others so make a plan and discuss it with an expert. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type of salt before making your decision to ensure you are choosing the best option for your water softener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Ok To Use Salt Crystals Instead Of Pellets
In general, both types of salt can be effective in removing hard water minerals from your water supply, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which type to use in your water softener.
- Salt Crystals are a cost-effective option compared to pellets and are typically easier to handle and pour into the brine tank. However, they can contain impurities, such as magnesium and calcium, which can damage the resin bed in the water softener over time.
- Pellets are purer and do not contain impurities, but they can have a harsh, abrasive texture that can also damage the resin bed in the water softener over time. Pellets are also more expensive compared to crystals, but they tend to dissolve more slowly, leading to more consistent water softening results.
Whether or not you can use salt crystals instead of pellets in your water softener will depend on your specific needs and the size of your brine tank, cost considerations, and the type of resin bed you have.
Does Water Softener Salt Expire
Water softener salt does not technically expire, but it can become ineffective over time due to impurities and contamination. As water softener salt is stored in a water-filled brine tank, it can become contaminated with algae, rust, sediment, and other debris.
In addition, water softener salt can become less effective over time due to the accumulation of impurities, such as magnesium and calcium. This accumulation can cause the resin bed in your water softener to break down, leading to decreased water-softening results.
Do I Need To Add Salt To My Water Softener Regularly
Water softener salt should be added to the brine tank of your softener regularly. Depending on your water usage and hardness levels, you may need to add salt once a month or more often. Proper monitoring of the brine tank helps to ensure the best water-softening results.
Also, being sure that you have the right water softener salt for your softening system is an important part of maintaining it and ensuring optimal water-softening results.
Is Dishwasher Salt And Water Softener Salt The Same Thing
Dishwasher salt is not the same as water softener salt. Dishwasher salt is specifically designed to be used in a dishwasher to help remove tough water spots from dishes and cutlery. It contains no water-softening properties and should never be used in a water-softener system.
If water softener salt is added to a dishwasher it can damage the water inlet valve, as well as cause excessive soap suds...think of any comedy ever where some doofus does the dishes…and water overflow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right water softener salt for your water-softening system is an important part of maintaining it and ensuring optimal water-softening results. Depending on your water usage, hardness levels, budget considerations, and the type of resin bed you have in your water softener, pellets or cubes may be a better option than crystals.
It’s also important to remember that dishwasher salts are not interchangeable with water softener salts and should never be used in a water-softening system.
Ultimately, make sure you consult with an expert when deciding which type of salt is best for your specific needs so that you can get the most out of your water-softening system.